If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, …About Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States. Every year more than 230,000 men

Veterans,

If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, herbicides, or other chemicals in the line of duty, please read this brochure.

It might save your life.

Exposure means a higher risk of prostate cancer.What you need to know...

Prostate CancerSUPPORT - EDUCATION - ADVOCACY

For more information and resources, visit www.ustoo.org/Military-Veterans

Veterans and Prostate Cancer Resources, Services, and Support

Veterans who have defended the country need to be armed with the necessary knowledge to defend themselves against a major threat to their health, prostate cancer.Those veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides or chemicals in the Vietnam or Korean wars are at a greater risk for the possibility of developing prostate cancer, and they are more likely to have an aggressive form of the disease.

About Prostate CancerProstate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States. Every year more than 230,000 men are diagnosed with the disease, and approximately 30,000 die from it. If detected early, prostate cancer is often treatable. The five-year relative survival rate is nearly 100 percent; and at 15 years it’s 94 percent.

The majority of newly diagnosed prostate cancer is localized, which means the tumor growth has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Early detection allows for moretreatment options to increase the chances of survival. Prostate cancer in its early stages typically has no symptoms. Once detected, a number of treatment options may be considered. Consult your physician and empower yourself with knowledge by learning about all of the available treatment options in addition to the risks, potential benefits, and side effects of each.

DetectionAs part of your regular check-up, it is important that you talk to your doctor about your history of exposure to Agent Orange, herbicides, or chemicals and discuss regular testing for prostate cancer, which involves a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and DRE (digital rectal exam). These tests are quick, simple, and they will provide the first indicators of the possibility of prostate cancer (a disease which generally has no symptoms until it is advanced). Sons of veterans who have been exposed are also at potential risk for prostate cancer and other diseases and should speak with their doctors. If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy will likely be performed to determine diagnosis. Early detection can save lives and allow for more treatment options. African Americans and those with a family history of the disease are also at an increased risk for prostate cancer.

Treatment Options There are a variety of treatment options available for prostate cancer, including active surveillance, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, high intensity frequency ultrasound (HIFU), brachytherapy and prostatectomy. Some of these may be better suited to certain situations, stages, or severity levels, but there is no “best treatment.” Each individual should thoroughly research all options and discuss those with their doctors prior to deciding upon treatment.

Management of Side EffectsEach treatment option has its potential risks and side effects. Men should be aware of these before they begin treatment. Common side effects to many treatment options include erectile dysfunction and incontinence. In some cases these are temporary, and in other cases they are ongoing or permanent. There are many techniques, tips, and treatments that aim to reduce the severity of these side effects.

VA Eligibility Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including an Agent Orange Registry health exam, health care, and disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure. For more information or to schedule a free evaluation, visit the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs website at www.va.gov or call (800) 827-1000.

Disability A disability that is associated with exposure during service is gauged in levels at 10% increments and rated between 10% and 100%. If you are determined by the VA to have a 50% disability or higher, you will be eligible for VA treatment at no cost. Post traumatic stress (PTS) may qualify as a disability, and a diagnosis of prostate cancer can exacerbate PTS for a veteran. Veterans who are diagnosed with prostate cancer related to service may receive complete disability for six months, although their rating may decrease if there is no treatment. A veteran who is 100% disabled usually pays noproperty taxes, and will receive tax-free compensation from the VA as well as many other potential benefits.

VA Benefits A veteran can file for VA benefits and disability through the VA, State Veteran Associations, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Assistance is available through the DAV to help with the application process and completion of paper work. It takes an average of six months to process a claim but payment may begin from the time of claim application. If a claim is denied, a veteran can appeal the claim.

Dual CoverageIf you have Medicare, you will have access to dual coverage and some benefits and services beyond those covered by the VA alone. Benefits and coverage will vary and you should view the www.medicare.gov for more information.

Korean Exposure The VA recognizes presumptive service exposure to Agent Orange for certain military units who were stationed near the DMZ at any time or duration between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971. For more information, contact your service representative at your local veterans organization.

Vietnam ExposureThe VA recognizes presumptive service exposure to Agent Orange for all veterans who had boots on the ground in Vietnam at any time and for any duration between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It also recognizes exposure in certain airfields in Thailand during that time. Navy and Air Force veterans who did not have boots on the ground should check with Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, or other veterans service agencies for information.

Veterans Choice ProgramThe Veterans Choice Program is a government benefit that allows eligible veterans to receive health care in their communities rather than wait for a VA appointment or travel to a VA facility. It provides flexibility for veterans enrolled with the VA to receive care through alternate local sources beyond what’s provided directly through the VA.

Learn more about the Veterans Choice Program at: www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2015/July/10-Things-to-Know-About-Choice-Program.asp

To confirm eligibility, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/for_veterans.asp or call (866) 606-8198.

About Us TOOUs TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network is a nonprofit group that provides free support, education and advocacy for those affected by prostate cancer. We empower men with knowledge to make informed decisions about prostate cancer detection, treatment options and related side effects.

We Offer:• Support groups• Online support communities• Monthly newsletters• Educational events• Toll-Free HelpLine at (800) 808-7866• Clinical trial patient match at www.ustoo.org• And much more...

For questions on prostate cancer, Visit: www.ustoo.org

Email: [email protected] or Call: (800) 808-7866

Online Prostate Cancer Support Group and Discussion Community with Special Topic on Military Veterans Join our online discussion, where you can ask or answer questions on our Inspire prostate cancer support group at http://bit.ly/2AiGypo. Select the Military Veterans option to access or ask questions related to that topic.

Us TOO Support Groups Specifically for Veterans San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston), TXBrooke Army Medical Center3551 Roger Brooke Dr.Pediatric Conference Room # TN 1221st Floor Pediatric HallFort Sam Houston, TX 78234First Tuesday of the Month1730 - 1830 (5:30 - 6:30pm)Contact: Janet Schadee, RN MHA, Urology Oncology Clinic NurseEmail: [email protected]: (210) 916-1640

Bethesda, MD Us TOO Chapter Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterRiver Conference Room, 3rd Floor Building 19 (America Building)8901 Wisconsin Ave.Bethesda, MD 20889Quarterly Meetings and Monthly Meetings (Call for Details)Contact: James ThompsonEmail: [email protected] (715) 760-2702

Buffalo, NY Us TOO Buffalo Metro ChapterVA Med Center - 3rd Floor Room 3013495 Bailey Ave.Buffalo, NY 14215 First Tuesday of the Month7:00 - 9:00pm Contact: Bill KrellnerEmail: [email protected]: (716) 836-4761

All Other Us TOO Support Groups (Veterans Welcome)Us TOO has more than 200 prostate cancer support groups and educationalforums in the US and abroad. Visit www.ustoo.org to find a location near you. If you can’t find a group near you, or if you are unable to attend, you can join a call-in group at www.ancan.org/support-calls.

Need Immediate Help? Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255www.veteranscrisisline.netProstate Cancer

SUPPORT - EDUCATION - ADVOCACY

Web: www.ustoo.orgEmail: [email protected] Phone: (800) 808-7866

Visit the Us TOO Webpage for Veterans at: www.ustoo.org/Military-Veterans

In addition to helpful information and links on prostate cancer testing, treatment, and management of side effects, resources include: information on local support groups, financial assistance, insurance information, and many other services available to veterans.

For assistance with this information, or for prostate cancer support, please contact Us TOO at [email protected] or (800) 808-7866.

Thank you to Bayer for their generous

sponsorship of this important information.